Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport challenges the frenzied pace of the modern workplace, suggesting that our relentless rush to be…
Cloudland Canyon, Georgia, USA
One of Georgia’s most impressive land forms. It’s always worth a trip.
3 Reasons Why Public Domain Software Is Underrated
Public domain software refers to software that has been released without any copyright restrictions, meaning anyone can use, modify, redistribute,…
Expand The House & Pass The Equal Representation Amendment
The US flag and the House of Representatives both used to change regularly to reflect the nation’s growth. Since the Reapportionment Act of 1929, the number of Representatives has been fixed at 435, despite significant population growth. This discrepancy leads to unequal representation and inefficiency. A possible solution is to expand the House to better represent the current population.
3 Reasons Why Astronomy Is Underrated
Looking at the moon and stars has always been so magical…and so daunting to me. To be focused on the…
Loserville by Clayton Tutor
“Loserville” by Clayton Tutor examines Atlanta’s turbulent relationship with its professional sports teams. Beginning in the 1960s, the city’s leaders used sports to redefine Atlanta’s image, but struggled with poor team performances and weak support. Despite this, sports have significantly contributed to Atlanta’s identity and development.
3 Reasons Why Public Domain Databases Are Underrated
The first time I found data.gov…I was blown away. There was more original, raw data about all the things than…
American The Beautiful? by Blythe Roberson
“American The Beautiful? by Blythe Roberson is a travel book across America’s National Parks but falls short in style and pacing, resembling TikToks instead of traditional travel writing. Despite extensive park visits and commentary on America’s contradictions, the lack of context and background detracts from the experience, unlike works by Bill Bryson.”
3 Reasons Why Town Mascots Are Underrated
Japan has them. US cities have them via their sports teams. And there should be more of them!
Health benefits of pedestrian and cyclist commuting: evidence from the Scottish Longitudinal Study
This study, based on a large representative sample followed up for 18 years, provides robust evidence of lower risk of…
3 Reasons Why Radio Is Underrated
It’s a hundred years old, but should be better than ever.
Status Game by Will Storr
“Status Game” by Will Storr offers a nuanced exploration of how humans organize in social hierarchies, striving for status through various games. It discusses the impact of prestige, dominance, and humiliation games on society, relationships, and leadership. Storr emphasizes understanding these dynamics to foster cooperation and mitigate conflicts.
Chicago Skyline
Chicago is one of my favorite cities. And wow, does Chicago know how to do a skyline. It’s really impressive.
3 Reasons Why Public Beaches Are Underrated
I really have nothing against resort owners and beachfront property owners personally. But the beach is for everyone. Anyone who…
Dad Camp by Evan Porter
Dad Camp by Evan Porter is an inverse coming of age novel about how parents experience their children growing up….
Sunset at Crooked River State Park
Crooked River State Park is one of the most underrated State Parks in Georgia. And the Georgia coast is one…
3 Reasons Why Online Libraries Are Underrated
Most everyone in the US has access to an online version of their library. But I can almost guarantee that…
Atlanta’s Memorial Drive Bike Path Is Finally Happening
More than 5 years after the Georgia Dept of Transportation first said they were open to reworking one of Atlanta’…
Dalton Highway in Alaska
Alaska is so huge that I had a hard time even trying to capture it with my camera. This is…
3 Reasons Why Adopting a Tree Is Underrated
No, I’m not talking about some official program. I’m talking about literally noticing a single tree, naming it, and declaring…
What’s with the hostility towards personal publishing?
CJ Chilvers wrote a good reminder about personal publishing on the Open Web in a world of AI writers.
Bangor, Maine, USA
On my way back from Acadia National Park, we got to stop in Bangor, ME, which strikes me as a…
3 Reasons Why City Parks Are Underrated
City parks are the workhorses of free, public space. They are amazing but also taken for granted.
3 Reasons Why Tech Sabbaths Are Underrated
A Tech Sabbath or Tech Sunday is simply picking one day per week to severely limit your use of modern…
5 Reasons Why I’m (Temporarily) Switching Back from an Electric Car in 2024
I have owned an all-electric car for more than seven years. Even though I’ve only put ~21,000 miles on the…
3 Reasons Why Native Plant Species Are Underrated
The exotic plants at big box homegoods stores? They look cool in the planter but can’t compare to native plant…
3 Reasons Why Historical Landmarks Are Underrated
Historical landmarks are completely underrated. And not just historic sites, I’m talking about those random metal signs on the side…
No, People Are Not Watching 4-Hour YouTube Videos
News outlets have been breathlessly reporting a trend in 2024 around ridiculously long YouTube videos. Today, NPR ran a story…
3 Reasons Why Personal Websites Are Underrated
Personal websites and blogs are not as cool as they were in the early 2000s, but they have never been…
5 Notes On Visiting Chattahoochee Bend State Park
Chattahoochee Bend State Park is one of Georgia’s newest State Parks…and in 20 years or so, it will be one…
Whitley Gap Shelter on the Appalachian Trail
One of the best short day hikes in Georgia is up to Cowrock Mountain from Tesnatee Gap. However, the hike…
3 Reasons Why State Parks Are Underrated
I am only a few visits away from visiting every State Park in Georgia. It’s been one of the best…
5 Notes on Visiting Mammoth Cave National Park
On an Eastern National Parks road trip, I got to visit Mammoth Cave National Park. I had no idea what…
5 notes On Visiting Indian Springs State Park
Indian Springs State Park is one of Georgia’s oldest State Parks. It’s located in middle Georgia, close to I-75 and…
Why Is Australia So Athletic & Good At Sports?
The Olympics are coming this summer. And there will be one thing for sure – Australia is going to win…
5 Notes on Visiting Shenandoah National Park
As part of a Eastern National Parks road trip, I got to visit Shenandoah National Park in northern Virginia. Here…
Cemetery in Bainbridge, Georgia, USA
I love old cemeteries in the South. Bonaventure in Savannah and Oakland in Atlanta are obviously the best. But there…
3 Reasons Why Libraries Are Underrated
I love libraries and will never pass up a chance to visit. But I’m still finding out awesome things about…
Some blogging myths
Julia Evans has an excellent post on blogging myths.
Is Mangools Legit? 9 Pros & Cons of Using Mangools SEO Tool Suite
I’m a huge fan of Mangool’s SEO tool suite. They have incredibly cost-effective pricing, especially for agencies, small blogs, and…
7 Best Mangools SEO Use Cases for Small Website Owners
I’m a huge fan of Mangool’s SEO tool suite. They have incredibly cost-effective pricing, especially for small websites. I’ve been…
9 Ways Mangools Outperforms Other SEO Tools (like Ahrefs & SEMrush)
I’m a huge fan of Mangool’s SEO tool suite. They have incredibly cost-effective pricing, especially for small blogs and local…
9 Unlikely Tips for Using Mangools SEO Effectively
I’m a huge fan of Mangool’s SEO tool suite. They have incredibly cost-effective pricing, especially for small websites, agencies, and…
9 Ways I Use Mangools for Small Blogs & Local Businesses
I like to use Mangools for bulk keyword research, general competitor research, and understanding keyword intent.
The Death of The Follower & The Future of Creativity by Jack Conte
This is a long presentation from Patreon CEO Jack Conte, but absolutely essential watch for anyone who creates anything on…
Blogging Principles I Use
I’ve run this site for more than 14 years now. I haven’t published consistently for years at a time, but…
Progression of The Web with Trail Websites
There is a lot of digital ink being spilled by whether the Web is dying, dead, or being reinvented. I…
3 Reasons Why Open University Courses Are Underrated
Unless you need a piece of paper proving that you know something, skills and knowledge are wide open now.
Best Campfire Firewoods
One of the most useful pages of Bushcraft by Dave Canterbury was this chart on the burnability (word?) of different…
Who I’m Voting For in the May 2024 Primary Election in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
Here is the problem that I run into every 2 years. I’m sold on the idea that voting in every…
Prairie at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
The southern side of the Okefenokee is surprisingly open with few trees. It’s a water “prairie”.
What To Read In Addition To Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt has created a lot of chatter and concern among parents and policymakers. With the United…
3 Reasons Why Birdwatching Is Underrated
Birdwatching is completely underrated, even by enthusiasts.
Don’t Install Sod
Sod is held together with plastic netting. The netting reduces shipping costs and makes for a more consistent, better-looking product…
News of The World by Paulette Jiles
News of The World by Paulette Jiles is a novel set in Reconstruction-Era Texas, specifically beginning in 1870 in Texas….
Allison Lake at Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge
The Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge is one of Georgia’s hidden public land gems. Allison Lake is an incredible place for…
3 Reasons Why Public Domain Books Are Underrated
While Amazon and the book publishing industry are pushing the latest, greatest bestseller, there are more books in the public…
5 Notes on the National Museum of the Air Force
So many random small towns in the United States have an old World War II or Vietnam era plane that…
5 Notes on Dayton Aviation National Historic Park
On my trip to Dayton, Ohio for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, I was able to spend some time at…
5 Notes on Visiting Dayton, Ohio
For the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, I got to drive straight up I-75 to Dayton, Ohio (the closest decent size…
5 Notes On Visiting High Falls State Park
High Falls State Park is a Georgia State Park near I-75 in middle Georgia along the Towaliga River. It’s fairly…
3 Reasons Why National Forests Are Underrated
I spend soooo much time in my nearby Chattahoochee National Forest. National Forests are the most underrated public lands on…
How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg
How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg is one of the best nonfiction books I’ve read in the past…
North Woods by Daniel Mason
North Woods by Daniel Mason is a novel set against the backdrop of a single house in the woods of…
Bee Pollinating Native Plants
The bees know Spring is here in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
5 Notes On Visiting Sloppy Floyd State Park
I visited Sloppy Floyd State Park in northwest Georgia for several nights. It is a small but underrated park for…
3 Reasons Why Public Domain Music Is Underrated
Public Domain Music exists and should be used more.
5 Notes On Visiting Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site
I’ve visited Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site several times on my trips to the Oconee National Forest in middle Georgia….
5 Notes On Visiting Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site
I visited the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site in Northwest Georgia one weekend. I had put it off for…
5 Notes On Visiting A.H. Stephens State Park
I’ve stopped at A.H. Stephens State Park several times, mainly because it’s right off I-20 and a perfect rest stop…
5 Notes On Visiting Smithgall Woods State Park
Smithgall Woods State Park is one of Georgia’s most special properties in their entire State Park portfolio. It was gifted…
The Naturalist’s Companion: A Field Guide to Observing and Understanding Wildlife by Dave Hall
The Naturalist’s Companion: A Field Guide to Observing and Understanding Wildlife by Dave Hall is a short guidebook all about…
3 Reasons Why Sunrises & Sunsets Are Underrated
Everyone loves them, everyone knows them…but when was the last time you watched one?
5 Types of Birds at the Birdfeeder
I’ve had a birdfeeder (I bought this one) for 5 years now. I’ve now seen the same patterns and species…
5 Ways To Run Your Dishwasher Better
As a homeowner, I’m slowly understanding just how frustrating the entire consumer appliance space is. The technology of cleaning stuff…
How To Fix a Leaking Drain Hose on an LG WM3570HWA Washing Machine
I woke up on a recent morning to find water running on the floor from my LG Washing Machine. Here’s…
5 Notes on Visiting Magnolia Springs State Park
Magnolia Springs State Park is a very underrated Georgia State Park in Millen, GA. It’s built around, well, an actual…
3 Reasons Why Picnics Are Underrated
At every park around the country, there are thousands of picnic tables going unused and I have no idea why.
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin is a fascinating book by someone who has not only had a very creative…
5 Notes on Visiting Don Carter State Park
Don Carter State Park is a relatively new State Park along the north side of Lake Lanier near Gainesville, Georgia….
Exploring Southern Appalachian Forests: An Ecological Guide to 30 Great Hikes by Stephanie Jeffries
Exploring Southern Appalachian Forests: An Ecological Guide to 30 Great Hikes by Stephanie Jeffries is a book that is both…
Morgan Housel on Billionaires, Money, Kids & What Money to Give To them
I was listening to a podcast episode with Morgan Housel, who has managed to write two of the best personal…
Dogwood Blooming
My favorite part of Spring in Georgia.
Elon Musk’s The Algorithm
There is a lot of digital ink spilled by Elon Musk. I’m less interested in him as a person than…
3 Reasons Why Public Pools Are Underrated
Public pools have a bad reputation in many circles in the US, at least. I don’t know why. They are…
Drifting Into Darien by Janisse Ray
Drifting Into Darien by Janisse Ray is a memoir that chronicles Janisse Ray’s 10-day journey down the Altamaha River, one…
Bunker Hill
While visiting Boston, I got to walk up to Bunker Hill (i.e., the one battle that every American kid learns…